British Citizens with Irish Heritage: The Post-Brexit Shift to Irish EU Citizenship

In the aftermath of Brexit, a significant number of Britons with Irish heritage have acquired Irish EU citizenship through the Irish passport. This shift has been driven by several factors, including practical travel convenience and the desire to maintain EU rights.

Surge in Irish Passport Applications

One of the most striking statistics is the increase in Irish passport applications from the United Kingdom. According to the latest figures, there are approximately 160,000 Britons holding Irish passports, a figure that has reportedly increased by a factor of six over the past decade. The majority of these applications can be attributed to individuals with Irish heritage.

Driver of the Increase

The increase in Irish passport applications can largely be attributed to the need for EU rights post-Brexit. Many Britons with Irish parents or grandparents have sought to secure their status as EU citizens by obtaining an Irish passport. For instance, in the week following the Brexit referendum, there were 41,000 applications for Irish passports from Great Britain, with an additional 39,000 from Northern Ireland. These figures indicate a significant surge in demand for Irish passports.

Statistical Insights

The following statistics from 2022 provide further insight into the trend:

First-Time Applications: In 2022, the number of first-time passport applications from Northern Ireland and Great Britain was 100,000 out of over 1.15 million total applications received that year. Most Popular Applications: Outside of applications from the island of Ireland and Great Britain, the most online applications came from the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, France, Spain, Germany, and South Africa. Popular Names and Ages: The most popular surname worldwide was Murphy, while popular baby girls' names were Emily, Fiadh, and Lily. For baby boys, the names were Noah, Jack, and James. The oldest applicant was 102, and the youngest was just 3 days old.

Post-Brexit Anticipation

Many individuals took action in 2019 in anticipation of Brexit. A significant number of people—approximately 54,000—applied for their first Irish passport to ensure they had the necessary documentation post-Brexit. Additionally, another 30,000 individuals renewed their existing Irish passports to maintain their EU citizen status.

Practical Benefits

Besides the practical benefits of obtaining an Irish passport, such as access to EU rights and potential travel advantages, there are also practical travel benefits. The Common Travel Area (CTA) allows for easy access to Ireland without a passport, but having one makes the travel experience smoother and faster.

Upcoming Changes to the Passport

However, there is a looming change on the horizon. In 2025, the Irish passport design is set to undergo a significant update. The new passport will feature the flora and fauna of Ireland, replacing the current design with images of famous Irish scenes and, significantly, the River Gods. For those who love the current design, now might be a good time to apply before the transition.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Irish citizenship by British citizens with Irish heritage has become a trend post-Brexit, driven by the desire for EU rights and practical travel benefits. As the Irish passport undergoes changes in the coming years, it is crucial for those who have yet to apply to do so before the new design is implemented.